No matter where you live, pests find ways to invade homes. From ants trailing across the kitchen counter to rodents nesting in the attic, these unwelcome visitors are more than just a nuisance—they can pose real health and property risks. But when homeowners ask us, “What is the number one household pest?” the answer is clear: ants consistently top the list.
While termites, cockroaches, bed bugs, and rodents each present unique challenges, ants are the most common pest problem for homeowners in the United States, including right here in Northwest Arkansas. Let’s break down why ants hold this unwanted title, the problems they cause, and what you can do to prevent and eliminate infestations.
Why Ants Are the Number One Household Pest
Ants are everywhere. In fact, there are over 1,000 ant species in the United States, with a handful regularly invading homes. Their prevalence, persistence, and ability to exploit even the smallest food or moisture source make them the most common pest reported to exterminators year after year.
Easy Access to Homes
Ants can enter through the tiniest cracks around windows, doors, and foundations. Once inside, they leave scent trails that lead the entire colony to food or water.
Rapid Reproduction
Colonies can contain thousands—even hundreds of thousands—of ants. Some species have multiple queens, making infestations harder to control without professional help.
Diverse Diet
Ants are not picky eaters. They’ll go after sweets, proteins, grease, pet food, and even dead insects, meaning nearly every household has something that attracts them.
Seasonal Surges
In Northwest Arkansas, ants are particularly active in spring and summer when warm, humid conditions drive them indoors in search of food and shelter.
Common Ant Species in Northwest Arkansas Homes
Not all ants are the same. Here are the species homeowners in Fayetteville, Bentonville, Rogers, and surrounding areas encounter most often:
- Odorous House Ants: Tiny, dark-colored ants known for the foul “rotten coconut” smell they release when crushed. They trail into kitchens and bathrooms in search of sweets and water.
- Pavement Ants: Found nesting in driveways, sidewalks, and foundations. They enter homes through cracks and are drawn to crumbs and grease.
- Carpenter Ants: Larger ants that burrow into wood to create nests. While they don’t eat wood like termites, their tunneling can weaken structural supports.
- Fire Ants: Aggressive, stinging ants often found outdoors in yards and landscaping. Their painful bites can pose risks to children and pets.
Each species requires a tailored treatment plan, which is why professional identification is key.
The Problems Ants Cause Indoors
Ants may seem harmless compared to rodents or termites, but their presence can quickly escalate into real problems:
Food Contamination
Ants crawl across unsanitary surfaces before invading your pantry, contaminating food and surfaces with bacteria.
Property Damage
Carpenter ants tunnel into wood, causing damage to beams, window frames, and flooring.
Health Risks
Fire ants deliver painful stings, while odorous house ants and other species can carry pathogens on their bodies.
Persistent Infestations
Because of their colony structure and ability to reproduce quickly, ants are difficult to eliminate with DIY sprays. If even one queen survives, the colony will rebound.
Why DIY Ant Control Often Fails
Many homeowners reach for ant sprays when they see a trail. While this may kill the ants you see, it rarely addresses the colony hidden behind walls, under floors, or outside in the yard. In fact, sprays can cause colonies to “bud,” splitting into multiple sub-colonies that worsen the problem.
Effective ant control requires:
- Accurate species identification
- Targeted baiting that workers carry back to the colony
- Perimeter treatments to block new invasions
- Nest elimination when possible
This is where professional pest control provides the advantage.
Professional Ant Control: The Rid-a-Pest Approach
At Rid-a-Pest, we understand the unique challenges Northwest Arkansas homeowners face when it comes to ant control. Our process includes:
- Inspection: Identifying the species and locating nests and entry points.
- Targeted Baiting: Using professional-grade baits tailored to the specific ant species.
- Perimeter Treatments: Applying barriers around foundations, windows, and doors to prevent future entry.
- Long-Term Prevention: Offering ongoing service plans to keep ants from returning year after year.
With nearly 40 years of local experience, Rid-a-Pest has the tools and expertise to handle ant infestations quickly, safely, and effectively.
Preventing Ant Problems in Your Home
While professional help is the most effective way to eliminate ants, there are proactive steps every homeowner can take:
- Seal cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and foundations.
- Store food in airtight containers and clean up crumbs immediately.
- Keep pet food dishes clean and avoid leaving food out overnight.
- Eliminate standing water and fix plumbing leaks.
- Trim shrubs and trees that touch the home and create pathways for ants.
Prevention is always easier—and cheaper—than tackling a full-blown infestation.
Final Thoughts: Ants Hold the Top Spot
So, what is the number one household pest? Without question, it’s ants. Their sheer numbers, ability to adapt, and tendency to invade homes year after year make them the most common pest for homeowners across the U.S. and especially here in Northwest Arkansas.
Whether it’s odorous house ants trailing across your counters, carpenter ants damaging your wood, or fire ants overtaking your yard, the best solution is professional intervention.
If you’re struggling with ants, don’t waste time and money on DIY products that only scratch the surface. Call Rid-a-Pest today for a free inspection and let us eliminate the colony at its source. Protect your home, your family, and your peace of mind with expert ant control you can trust.
📍 Serving Fayetteville, Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, and all of Northwest Arkansas.
📞 Call Rid-a-Pest today to schedule your inspection and say goodbye to ants—for good.
